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Australian Politics and Policy unit (HPP205)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit explores broad ranging and contemporary aspects of Australian politics and policy, including democratic principles and Australian institutions, values and Australian culture, the Australian electoral system and campaigns, forms of political representation and the role of lobby groups, the workings of the Australian state, its courts, levels of government, and policy making forums. Students will be exposed to and have the opportunity to research contemporary political and public policy controversies across a broad range of issues including democracy in principle and practice, the 'left, centre and right' in Australian politics, contested national identity, and the role of parties, public participation, the Prime Minister, ministerial staff, the separation of powers and federalism.

Summary

Unit name Australian Politics and Policy
Unit code HPP205
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Politics and International Relations
Coordinator Associate Professor Joanna Vince
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and evaluate contrasting arguments in the study of Australian politics and policy.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and research to analyse policy and political debates or cases.
  • Communicate your ideas coherently in written and/or oral formats, drawing upon evidence and applying referencing and style conventions as appropriate.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090101 $2,174.00 $1,020.00 not applicable $2,562.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HSD208 AND HSD308 AND HPP305

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:

Weekly recorded lectures (online) 2 hours

Weekly face-to-face tutorial, 2 hours

 

Online: 

Weekly recorded lectures (online) 2 hours

Weekly online discussion topics, 2 hours

AssessmentAustralian politics quiz (10%)|Participation - in tutorials &/or online (10%)|Essay (40%)|Exam (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

See unit MyLO site for further details
Recommended

See unit MyLO site for further details

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